Dendrobium anosmum

Also known as: Unscented Dendrobium or Dendrobium superbum h.v. anosmum Dendrobium anosmum h.f. suave Dendrobium anosmum h.f. semialbum Dendrobium anosmum h.f. album Dendrobium anosmum h.v. delacourii Dendrobium anosmum h.v. giganteum Dendrobium anosmum h.v. superbum h.f. album Dendrobium anosmum h.v. superbum Dendrobium anosmum var. dearei Dendrobium superbum var. velutinum Dendrobium superbum var. burkei Dendrobium superbum var. giganteum Dendrobium anosmum var. huttonii Dendrobium dayanum Dendrobium superbum var. huttonii Callista scortechinii Dendrobium scortechinii Callista anosma Dendrobium leucorhodum Dendrobium superbum Dendrobium superbum h.f. album Dendrobium mastersianum Dendrobium superbum var. dearei in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Papua - Indonesia Thailand

General Information

Unscented Dendrobium is a sympodial intermediate to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Indonesia and Thailand. It is named after a misnomer as this species is quite fragrant.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 100-370cm. Each new growth has numerous thick lance shaped, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 12-18cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 100-300cm. The plant forms pendant or arching growths

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Bark

Care Notes

These orchids like to be watered regulary, especially during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered daily or even many times a day.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Climate

These orchids grow in cool climates, at low altitudes, in cool plains, forests or coastal scrub.

They are forgiving of humidity variances as long as temperatures are kept on the cool side. They can do well outdoors in the garden in cool and temperate areas, though it is important that they are protected from warm dry winds. They can enjoy morning sun especially in winter but will need protection from the hot sun in the afternoon and during summer. With some acclimatisation they may be able to receive more sun.

 

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 13mm to 432mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 68% to 87%, highest in September and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 16C to 29C, highest in April (19C to 29C) and lowest in January (16C to 26C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a constant supply of moisture, with a slight drying out between waterings. Saucers can be placed under pots to retain moisture during hot weather, however the saucers should be removed or let to dry every 1-2 weeks to prevent rot. Keep an eye on the plant especially in hot weather and look for cues of under/overwatering and adjust accordingly.

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,

This plant does well mounted.